Self-elevating device.



E. C. KALCY.

SELF ELEVATJNG DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 14. 1916.

LWUAMQ v Patented July 11, 1916.

2 SHEETS-SHEET I l l l frwesffl 5% Z ggy .E. C. KALCY.

SELF ELEVATING DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 14. 1916.

Patented July 11., 1916.

2 SHEETSSHEET 2- awwmtoz fimwaf U/fa [gay ERNEST C. KALCY, 0FPITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA.

SELF-ELEVATING DEVICE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Jully 11, 191 6.

Application filed March 14, 1916. Serial No. 84,174.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ERNEST C. KALOY, a citizen of the United States,residing at 624 Morewood avenue, Pittsburgh, in the county of Alleghenyand State of Pennsylvania, have invented new and useful Improvements inSelf-Elevating Devices, of which the following is a specificatlon.

This invention contemplates the provision of a self elevating device, asa substitute for step ladders, and embodies a palr of members in theform of stilts adapted to be secured to the feet of the user, and consisting of adjustable sections, with means for holding the sectionsfixed relatively in different positions.

The nature and advantages of the 1nvention will be better understoodfrom the following description when read in connect on with theaccompanying drawlngs, the mvention residing in the construction,combination and arrangement of parts claimed.

In the drawings forming part of this specification like numerals ofreference 1ndicate similar parts in the several Views and wherein Figure1 is a view showlng the manner of using the invention. Fig. 2 1s a sideelevation of one of the stilts. Fig. 3 1s a vertical transversesectional view therethrough. Fig. 1 is a sectional view taken on llne 41of Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a similar view taken on line 55 of Fig. 2.

Before entering into a detail descrlption of what is herein shown, Idesire to have it understood that the same is merely illustrative of oneembodiment of the invention to which I do not limit myself, and thatsuch changes may be resorted to when desired as fall within the scope ofwhat is claimed.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the device consists of apa1r of stilts indicated at A and B respectively, and as the stilts areidentical in construction and operation, a description of one w1llsuflice for both.

Each of the stilts preferably consists of an outer section 10 with whichis adjustably associated the section 11. The parts may be of anysuitable construction and design, but the section 10 is preferably inthe form of a hollow rectangular frame, while the section 11 is of asimilar configuration and mounted for sliding adjustment within thesection 10. Fixed to the top 12 of the section 11 is a shoe 13 adaptedto receive the foot of the user, and including a buckle 11 and strap 15through the medium of which the stilt as a whole is secured to the foot.However it is to be understood that various means may be employed forthis purpose. The rear wall 16 of the section 11 contacts thecorresponding wall of the section 10, while the forward wall 17 of thesection 11 is spaced an appreciable distance from the corresponding wallof the section 10. Se cured to the wall 17 and arranged within the spacebetween the said section is a substantially channel shaped 'member 18coextensive in length with the length of the wall 17. The channel shapedmember is formed to provide a longitudinal series of rack teeth 19 whichcooperate with a pawl 20 for the purpose of holding the section 11 fixedin its different adjusted positions. It might here be stated that thesections 11 are adjusted singly, that is to say that the weight of theuser is supported on one foot while the locking mechanism for themovable section 11 associated with the other foot is released, to permitsaid section to be elevated by simply lifting the foot the desireddistance. The locking mechanism is then restored to normal position tohold the section 11 fixed relatively with its associated section 10,after which the weight of the user is supported on this foot to permitthe section 11 of the other stilt to be similarly adjusted. The pawl 20is not the solemeans for holding the section 11 fixed in adjustedposition, use being also made of a locking pawl 21 pivoted for lateraladjustment upon an arm 22 projecting from the section 10. The pawl 21cooperates with a longitudinal series of notches 23 provided in the rearwall of the section 11, and this pawl is normally held in engagementwith said notches through the instrumentalityof a spring 24 having oneend connected with the pawl and its opposite end connected with abracket 25 projecting from the rear wall of the section 10 as shown.

With a view of simultaneously releasing both the pawls 20 and 21, whenit is desired to effect an adjustment of the section 11, I employ inthis particular instance, a substantially U-shaped member whichstraddles one of the longitudinal edges of the section 10, the parallellimb 27 being journaled in a bearing 28 secured to the exterior of thefront wall of the section 10, while the remaining parallel limb 29 ofthe member is positioned between the forward walls of the respectivesections, underlying the pawl 20 in contacting engagement therewith. Thelimb 27 projects an appreciable distance beyond the bearing 28, andassociated with this extremity of the limb 27 is one end of an operatinglever 30 which extends vertically into convenient reach of the user ofthe device. Manifestly when the lever is moved forward, the U-shapedmember is rocked upon its limb 27, thereby elevating its limb 29 whichoperates to move the pawl'20 out of engagement with the rack teeth onthe section 11. A transverse rod 31 has one terminal connected with thelever 30, while the opposite end of the rod is connected with the pawl21, and through the instrumentality of this rod the pawl 21 issimultaneously moved with the pawl 20 out of engagement from the notches23, when the lever 30 is moved forwardly. With the pawls 20 and 21 ininoperative position, the section 11 can be easily adjusted verticallyby either raising or lowering one foot, while the other foot supportsthe weight of the user, and

a subsequent to the proper adjustment of the sections 11, the spring 2Awhich is under tension when the pawl 21 is in inoperative position,functions to return the parts to normal position upon release of thelever 30, at which time the pawls 20 and 21 engage the sections 11 in amanner to hold the latter fixed relatively with the section 10. Theinvention isespecially advantageous for use by window cleaners, paperhangers, and

- other partisans who find it necessary to make use of a ladder withtheir work. Manifestly the sections 11 can be very easily and quicklyadjusted, and when fixed in adjusted position provides a very firmsupport for the user, and at the same time affords considerable use ofthe limbs which permits the user to move from place to place.

WVhile it is believed that from the foregoing description the nature andadvantages of the invention will be readily apparent without requiringa-more extended explanation, I- desire to have it understood that thecomponent parts of the invention may be constructed from any suitablematerial, size like section and a similar relatively movable telescopicsection, and means for holding said movable section fixed in differentad'- justed positions.

2. A self elevating device comprising a pair of stilts, each includingtelescopic frame-like sections, one of which is capable of adjustmentwith respect to the other, means carried by one of said sections forconnecting the stilt with the foot of the user, and means for holdingsaid sections fixed relatively.

3. A self elevating device comprising a pair of stilts, each includingtelescopic frame-like sections, one of which is capable of adjustmentwith respect to the other, means for locking the movable section inadjusted position, and means carried by said section for connecting thesame to the foot of the user whereby the section is adapted to beadjusted by the raising or lowering of the foot, subsequent to therelease of said means.

4. A self elevating device comprising a pair of stilts, each including afixed framelike section and a similar relatively movable telescopicsection, means carried by the movable section for connecting the latterto the foot of the user for adjustment therewith, pawl and ratchetmechanism for holding said movable section fixed in adjusted position,and means for controlling said mechanism to permit of the adjustment ofsaid section.

5. A self elevating device comprising a pair of stilts, each including afixed framelike section, and a similar section slidably fitted withinthe fixed section, means for connecting the movable section to the footof the user for adjustment therewith, and means for holding said movablesection fixed in adjusted position.

v 6. A self elevating device comprising a pair of stilts, each includingan outer frame like section, and an inner frame like section slidablyadjustable within the outer section, said inner section having spacedseries of notches, a pawl adapted to cooperate with each series ofnotches, said pawls being pivoted upon the outer section, and means forsimultaneously effecting a release of said pawls to permit of anadjustment of said inner section.

7. A self elevating device comprising a pair of stilts, each includingan outer frame like section, and an inner frame like section slidablyadjustable within the outer section, said inner section having spacedseries of notches, a pawl adapted to cooperate with each series ofnotches, and mechanism for simultaneously effecting a release of saidpawls including a lever disposed in convenient reach of the user.

8. A self elevating device comprising a pair of stilts, each includingan outer frame like'section, and an inner frame like section slidablyadjustable within the outer section,

said inner section having spaced series of notches, a pawl adapted tocooperate with each series of notches, said pawls being pivoted to theouter section, a yoke mounted on said section for rocking movement andengaging one of said pawls, a lever for operating said yoke to releasesaid pawl, and a connection between the lever and the other pawl tosimultaneously effect a release of both of said pawls.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

ERNEST O. KALGY. Witnesses:

ONOLA RosENsTEEL, ADA L. SHERRER.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressingthe Commissioner of ZPatentS, Washington, D. C.

